Wednesday, August 29, 2007

This very morning you could feel it. Just a hint of chill, a whiff of foliage beginning its annual colorful strip-tease. Autumn is on its way, and with it comes the old "back to school" excitement we never really seem to grow out of. From futuristic sock-hops to a fantastic local on-line hot-spot for the artistically inclined, there's definitely something to feed the mind, body and spirit this holiday weekend (and by spirit we DO mean spirits!)

xo – l'étoile

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 29TH

Detroit Cobras

@ The Triple Rock629 Cedar Ave. SMinneapolis

9pm / 21+ / $14

Rockabilly babes Rachel Nagy and Mary Ramirez roll into town tonight with their band to treat you to a bluesy blast of garage rock - straight from Motor City!

New at the MIA, four Minnesota artists come together to explore how the military is represented in popular culture. Themes include such timely topics as the relationship between patriotism and fear and how war and conflict is brought into our homes and lives. Featuring work by Megan Rye, Camille Gage, Justin Newhall, and Megan Vossler, this one is a think piece for sure, but a subject not to be ignored.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MIA SITEArt by Megan Rye

FRIDAY ART PICK: Mel Kadel

L.A. Based artist Mel Kadel produces finely drawn images of dreamy and lonely subjects in unusual landscapes. Her style is very girly yet eerie at the same time. Kadel creates her cleverly titled artworks using "ancient papers, tiny pens, q-tips and glue." How enticing!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MEL KADEL SITE

FRIDAY AUGUST 31ST

Christmas Sex

@ The Kitty Cat Klub14th & UniversityDinkytown

9pm / 21+

Join some of our DJ faves tonight as they celebrate their late summer birthdays: Jonathan Ackerman, Ken Hannigan, Josh Clancy and Travis Stearns plus many more! If you're in the know, you can't deny these boys can bring the beat - so wear your dancin' pants and give them all a kiss from us!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE KITTY CAT KLUB MYSPACE

FRIDAY AUGUST 31ST

We Became Actors

@ 400 Bar 400 Cedar Ave. SWest Bank

8pm / 18+ / $5

We've recently developed a crush on all the boys in this band. Their high energy, danceable brand of rock n' roll is just the thing to get your weekend started! Aviette, Jason Shannon, and Bribe the Ghost join in on the fun.

Local artist Faye Buffington's work infuses the human figure the basic elements: earth, wind, fire and water. The result is a colorful, textured journey into the artist's personal awakening.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SSCA SITE

FRIDAY AUGUST 31ST (through Sunday)

Happy Apple CD Release

@ The Artists Quarter 408 St. Peter St.St.Paul

Join renowned local experimental-jazz-indie outfit Happy Apple at the Artists Quarter for a 3-day bash celebrating their latest release, "Back on Top". Believe us, this little traversed hep-cat hotspot in Downtown St. Paul is definitely worth the jaunt across the river!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE HAPPY APPLE MYSPACE

COOL LINK: We are Digging For Fire

We just discovered this site and we love it! Local artist, graphic designer, musician and all around cool kid, Adam Garcia AKA The Pressure, has launched a new blog focusing on "insight into inspiration and the creative process". The site includes short features and interviews with both local and national artists along with more than enough to keep things pretty. Go. There. Now.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SITEArt by Eric Inkala

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 1ST

Electro Sock Hop

@ Secret LocationVisit website day-of for location

This super-secret, high-concept hop has an unbelievable line-up of DJs from all over the land. Just peek the site if you don't believe. If you want to really DANCE – and we know you do – this is the place. Socks and space-inspired attire optional.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE UNCENSORED US SITE

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 1ST

Leroy Smokes

@ The Fine Line318 1st Ave. NMinneapolis

8pm / 21+ / $6

Super-duper-funky-hip-hop-up-and-comers Leroy Smokes have been making local waves for quite awhile and is definitely on the rise. Between reality television, an LA Music Award and a hot album available NOW, we suggest you jump on their bandwagon fast!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE LEROY SMOKES SITE

SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: Yacht

Jona Bechtolt of Yacht is a glitched-out booty-shaking machine! Thanks to smooth vocals, catchy pop-rockin' rhythms, and an offbeat assortment of surprisingly well-tuned beats, Yacht definitely deserves a top spot in your collection.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE YACHT MYSPACE

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 2ND

Flamboyance Personified: The Films of Red Grooms

@ The Walker Art CenterLecture Room1750 Hennepin Minneapolis

Free Hourly Screenings during Gallery Hours

American sculptor and filmmaker Red Grooms' short films begin a two month run in the Walker's lecture room. Known for his visual panache, Grooms' work was influenced by Busby Berkley and other unusual inspirations.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE WALKER SITE

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 3RD

Random Picnic Contest

l'étoile loves a good picnic! This Labor Day we challenge you to have a picnic of your very own, but in a completely unlikely style! Get silly - Think highway medians, parking lots, street corners, etc...then take pictures and send them to us. The winner will receive a l'etoile prize package worth tens of dollars PLUS your photos posted on our blog.

Need a little inspiration? Make yourself a Lemon Shandy:

Serves 8

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 4 lemons)

8 mild pilsner beers (12 oz each)

Directions:

In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 3/4 cup water over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Refrigerate until cool.

Combine sugar mixture and lemon juice in a small pitcher. Pour a beer into a chilled glass; add about 1/4 cup lemon mixture. Garnish with a lemon wedge and enjoy!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE RECIPE IDEAS

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 3RD

Chamillionaire

@ Foundation10 S. 5th St.Minneapolis

9pm / 18+ / $30 advance - $40 door

What better way to commemorate Labor Day than with hip-hop icon Chamillionaire? The "Mixtape Messiah" drops a new album September 18th - but get a live sneak peek tonight at Foundation!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CHAMILLIONAIRE MYSPACE

COOL OPPORTUNITIES

Cut and Paste 2007

Click the link below to download the cutandpaste07.com poster design contest! Once you print, cut and create the silhouette frame. This is your unique canvas. Use your favorite surroundings as your stage. Make people look - and think. Or smile. Then capture what you've done on your camera and enter the competition.

Bonus: There are cash money prizes!!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CUT AND PASTE SITE

COOL OPPORTUNITIES

Call for Motion Graphics!

Deadline: September 10th

mnartists.org and the Festival of Appropriation want YOU! Collaborate on creating a video collage to be displayed at The Soap Factory from November 2nd-30th and at the Walker Art Center on November 29th.

You will work closely with curator Kate Iverson to take brand and visual elements from mnartists.org's site and seam them together with design and motion graphics. You will share artist credit at the exhibition and a modest stipend will be provided. You must have the tools and skills to help produce a finished product.

SEND LINKS TO YOUR WORK TO: kate@letoilemagazine.com

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MNARTISTS SITE

If you would like your event, link, or opportunity to be featured in l'étoile magazine's WEEKEND WHAT'S WHAT please email info and image to kate@letoilemagazine.com for consideration.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

"Youbetcha" this weekend's going to be hot! Sensory overload personified. From the State Fair's insatiable food porn to the eclectic, beautiful mess that is the Sound Unseen Festival it'll be impossible to be blasé. So succumb to the many temptations and enjoy yourself.

xo-l'étoile

photo by Aaron Wojack for l'etoile magazine

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22ND-AUGUST 26TH

8th Annual Sound Unseen Festival

@ Various LocationsMinneapolis Check website for times/cost

The whirl-wind of music and film, better known as the Sound Unseen Festival, returns for year 8 this weekend. The line-up is so juicy we could only highlight a few here, so be sure to check the website for all the details! Organizers Gretchen Williams and Marina Maric sat down with l'étoile to chat about the why', when's and how's of Sound Unseen.

How and why was Sound Unseen started?

Gretchen: Sound Unseen was founded by Nate Johnson, a local film curator and label owner in 2000. At that time there were many music films (docs, concert footage, etc) floating around with nowhere to be screened - they needed to be shown to audiences and Sound Unseen was born. Since 2000, music related films have since found more distribution through independent theaters such as Landmark chains, but festivals and DVD's are now their primary home.

What has been the biggest evolution of the festival in it's 8 years?

Gretchen: It has been a long, steady build for the festival, growing the audience locally, but also internationally. We receive dozens of emails from Sweden, Italy, Denmark, Germany, South America and around the U.S. from people who are searching out their favorite musicians and finding movies about them at our site. People ask us all the time when we'll be showing them again, or where can they pick up a copy - sometimes it's the only place to find them.

Along with the films and the music, Sound Unseen is known for it's amazing parties! What event are you most excited for?

Marina: I'm looking forward to the Sound Unseen Dance Party. Last year was so much fun and I expect it to be even better this year especially because it is going to be a bit more intimate And I have to agree with Gretchen: the Artist of Distinction awards is such a great event. It almost feels like a family celebration where we recognize local musicians/artists and get to spend some time with them and their friends while listening to great local music acts.

Who is your favorite featured unsung hero of this year's festival?

Marina: Although I think the two robots form Electroma are going to be crowd favorites, my hero is definitely Roky Erickson whose turbulent life is portrayed in You're Gonna Miss Me. Roky's been around since 1966, was institutionalized for over three years and just this year decided to make a comeback. Roky's so cool, he even has a MySpace page that he probably maintains himself

Gretchen: I would have to say Anita O'Day - she has had so many highs and lows - a real roller coaster ride. To see someone who has been through so much, yet at the end of the day, her music gives her an undeniable reason to move forward. It gives me faith that our passions and talents can get us through anything - as long as we hang on and keep fighting for what we love.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOUND UNSEEN SITE

THURSDAY AUGUST 23RD (THROUGH SEPT 3RD)

Minnesota State Fair

@ State Fair Grounds1265 Snelling Ave. NSt.Paul

6am-Midnight / $11 adult

The Great Minnesota Get Together is back again. Some of the l'étoile staff would like to share with you a few their State Fair faves...but check the link below for even more fun on a stick!

Rides: Although some shy away from the Midway (fond memories of the Enterprise stuck in rotation for over an hour), the Sky Cabs or the Space Needle offer a leisurely view of the fairgrounds!

Shopping: One staffer bought a be-dazzler at the Grandstand, but for the best curiosities pop over to the International Bazaar.

Attractions: Hit the Fine Arts Building, the Haunted House and the Miracle of Birth barn to see the cuddlies!

Music: Weird Al.

Tip: Park and Rides are all over - take advantage of it and forget the parking hassle!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MN STATE FAIR SITE

THURSDAY AUGUST 23RD

Catherine Sullivan: Triangle of Need

@ The Walker Art Center1750 Hennepin Ave.Minneapolis

Walker Artist-in-Residence, Catherine Sullivan has created a multichannel video installation that weaves a nuanced story about evolution, class, wealth, poverty and the inequalities and injustices in our global economy. This intriguing and beautiful film exhibit makes it's world premier at the Walker tonight.

A collection of 17 animated short films and music videos from an impressive roster of Swedish directors. Featuring musical favorites such as The Knife, Peter, Bjorn and John, and El Perro Del Mar.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOUND UNSEEN SITE

THURSDAY AUGUST 23RD

Between Art and Trend

@ SOO Visual Arts Center27th & LyndaleMinneapolis

6-10pm / Free

Make a shopping stop at SOO VAC this evening and peruse a number of creative wares such as handmade clothing, art, household items, gifts and more - all made by local artists!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOO VAC SITE

FRIDAY ART PICK: Aaron Meshon

NYC based artist and Rhode Island School of Design graduate Aaron Meshon combines whimsy with clean illustration in this series of artworks, product packaging, children's books and t-shirts. We love his graphic sensibilities and rich use of color - yummy!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE AARON MESHON SITE

FRIDAY AUGUST 24TH

Honeymoon

@ The Nomad501 Cedar Ave.Minneapolis 9pm / 18+ / Free

Mysterious DJ collective, The Moongoons, debut their new monthly gig at the Nomad tonight. With Texas-based guest DJ and remix-master Bird Peterson on decks alongside the Moongoons, this evening will be a dancetastic sonic blast - complete with an outer-space inspired dress code.

Sponsored by Beautiful/Decay and l'etoile magazine!

The Moongoon's briefly came out of hiding to answer a few questions for us...

We are really excited about Honeymoon, can you tell us how the night came about and what to expect?

Well about a week or so ago we crash landed into Minneapolis and sought out shelter at the Nomad World Pub. We will be here a while because violence and passion are commonplace when the moon is full. We know about the universal energy of which all things are a part - you, the stars, the trees, the rocks - we know how to tune into this energy and use it. We know the mystical bond that exists between love makers. With magic, we channel these disparate energies into one powerful forcefield of seductive sound, culminating it all together in an energy exchanging celebration or as you might call it, a Honeymoon. Expect the most thrilling nightmare of your life.

Who are the Moongoons? Tell us a bit about yourselves!

We are a triad of enchanters whirling through space, drifting toward eternity; mystical sparks encircled by loneliness and cold darkness.

You're encouraging "space attire" - what are some of your favorite places to shop for moon-related fashion?

The mega mall is fascinating. But ultimately, we really believe in the human imagination to determine what attire suits you best for the night. A few hints: neons clashed with darks, visors, black leather, chrome, magical stones, chains, or tin foil...

Boston's Ezra Furman and The Harpoons roll into town with their intense brand of indie-folk tonight at the Kitty Cat Club. Furman's masterful songwriting skills make each song unfold like a well-loved story and it's no wonder these newcomers were recently signed to Chicago's Minty Fresh Records. Part David Byrne, part Bob Dylan, and part something completely new, Ezra Furman and the Harpoons enchant us with their passionate sound and catchy hooks.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE EZRA FURMAN MYSPACE

FRIDAY AUGUST 24TH

Sound Unseen Back Alley BBQ Bonanza

@ Clubhouse Jager10th & WashingtonNorth Loop

8pm-2am / 21+ / Free

Sound Unseen takes over the Clubhouse tonight for a raucous affair which will include music from We Became Actors, Themes, and the always danceable DJ Bach. Enjoy burgers and beer on what just might be the best outdoor patio in the city!

CLICK DJ BACH FOR THE SOUND UNSEEN SITE

COOL LINK: Royal Elastics

Not only is the website a visual feast, the shoes are outta-this-world cool. A fusion of vintage and euro-street, these no-lace up/no-nonsense kicks are the perfect accessory to your already chic wardrobe.

Bonus: Royal Elastics is running an art competition based around the theme "Beautiful Technology" - check the site for details!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ROYAL ELASTICS SITE

SATURDAY AUGUST 25TH

Grumpy's Big Bash

@ Grumpy's Downtown1111 WashingtonMinneapolis

3pm / 21+ / $20

Grumpy’s owner and Amphetamine Reptile Records guru Tom Hazelmyer celebrates the end of summer with the Annual Grumpy's Big Bash! Featuring hard-rockin' heavy hitters The Melvins and Helmet along with Zebulon Pike, Burning Bride, Birthday Suits and Bastard Saint. This all-day outdoor event will include cold beer, hot eats and the serious need for earplugs.

Critically acclaimed New York hip-hop artist Talib Kweli arrives in the Minneapple tonight to treat fans to poetic flows and glossy beats off his latest release "Eardrum". Labeled as a socially concious rapper, Kweli has worked with other impactful artists, such as Mos Def (Black Star) and Hi-Tek (Reflection Eternal). This show is a can't-miss!

Sound Unseen presents an inspiring documentary following several girls ranging from 8 to 18 years old at Rock n' Roll camp. From Laura, a Korean adoptee, obsessed with death metal, to 8 year old Amelia who writes experimental rock songs about her dog Pipi, the girls learn band-mate camaraderie and female empowerment from indie rock chick Carrie Brownstein from Sleater-Kinney, among others.

Bonus: Following the screening, join a group of esteemed Twin Cities women who rock for a discussion on their work in the local music scene and beyond.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOUND UNSEEN SITE

SATURDAY AUGUST 25TH

Fancy Computer

@ DEFIClick the myspace link below and message for locationMinneapolis

2am-? / $7 or $5 w/ Too Much Love stamp

We know you can rock an after-party. It's true - you're cool. Tonight is special because the DJ lineup lines-up some of our absolute faves: DJ Talk Radio, Jonathan Ackerman, Millions Billions - even Soviet Panda! Curated by Ken Hannigan and Jonathan Ackerman with video goodness by Time Squid and Danger Havok.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TALK RADIO MYSPACEmessage Talk Radio for location

SATURDAY AUGUST 25TH

The Subhumans

@ Triple Rock629 Cedar Ave. West Bank 5pm / All Ages / $12

Some l'étoilites were heavily influenced by early 80's punk, such as The Exploited, Black Flag, and The Subhumans, who drop their anarcho-punk bomb on the Triple Rock tonight! Make no mistake, the faint of heart should take heed.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SUBHUMANS MYSPACE

SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: Felix Da Housecat

Da Housecat is back with a soon to be dropping album as new persona, Virgo Blacktro. Expect more of the signature roller-disco-dream-sequence-esque smooth electronica we've all come to know and love - with a hot twist!

The full album hits the streets this October, but keep your ears peeled for remix ep "Something for Porno" in stores August 29th! Check da Myspace in the meantime for a sizzlin' sneak prev.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FELIX DA HOUSE CAT MYSPACE

SUNDAY AUGUST 26TH

2nd Annual Free Ride

@ CRC Cafe (meet-up point)34th & LyndaleMinneapolis 1pm / Free

No matter if you rock a Surly or a trike - all are welcome at the 2nd Annual Free Ride, a massive bike tour around Minneapolis! With hot stops for coffee and rock n' roll, you can hardly go wrong. Featuring local lovelies The Haves Have It, DJ Lori Barbero, and many more at various locations.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOUND UNSEEN SITE

SUNDAY AUGUST 26TH

Sound Unseen Closing Party

@ Downtown Pizza Luce119 N 4th StreetMinneapolis

8pm / 21+ / Free

Join the Sound Unseen crew for a closing party to beat the band! Enjoy Free pizza and $2 Grainbelts along with a soundtrack of reggae and world music from the likes of Afro Funk, Boogaloo, and Arabesque capped off with the exotic rhythms of DJ Nite Nurse! A great end to a great weekend of music, film, bike riding and parties - courtesy of Sound Unseen.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOUND UNSEEN SITE

COOL OPPORTUNITIES

Semi-Permanent: Call for Artists

The internationally renowned art and design event, Semi-Permanent, will probably NOT be coming to a city near you - unless of course you live in Australia. However, they are now taking submissions for their annual (and always highly anticipated) book that features the best of the best in art and design from around the globe. Take a chance, say we!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SEMI-PERMANENT SITE

If you would like your event, link, or opportunity to be featured in l'étoile magazine's WEEKEND WHAT'S WHAT please email info and image to kate@letoilemagazine.com for consideration.

E-MAIL US

To request an event listing on letoilemagazine.com, or to inquire about advertising, e-mail kate@letoilemagazine.com
To send a promo or press release for consideration through U.S. mail:
l'etoile magazine
628 4th Street NE
2nd Floor
Minneapolis Mn 55413